Preparing children more important than scoring political points

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz

After reading The Star's coverage of standardized test scores and improvement in Indiana, I'm inclined to agree with state Superintendent Glenda Ritz, who praised hardworking students, teachers, administrators and parents. What is disturbing about the story is the apparent turf war brewing for who should receive political credit.

I am a teacher and a parent of two school-age children. My teaching colleagues, the parents in our community, and our school leadership team work diligently daily not for political points but because our mission is to help prepare our students to become productive members of society and to enjoy a better quality of life.

Instead of seeking a quick political score, I hope Gov. Mike Pence and Indiana's legislators will focus on initiatives that expand preschool education, reward innovative K-12 programming, make college more affordable, and create more high-paying jobs.

Test performance is only a snapshot, a fraction of what takes place daily in classrooms. Our students work hard and learn valuable lessons every day. It only seems fair that we should expect our elected representatives to exhibit the same teamwork teachers, parents and students put forth daily.

Derek Doehrmann

Speedway

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Preparing children more important than scoring political points

After reading The Star's coverage of standardized test scores and improvement in Indiana, I'm inclined to agree with state Superintendent Glenda Ritz, who praised hardworking students, teachers,